Buttermilk Pie is a classic pie recipe well loved for generations in my family. A custardy pie that comes together quickly and easily with a light texture and a slight tangy flavor.

Buttermilk Pie | ©addapinch.com

Similar in texture to a Chess Pie, the Buttermilk Pie uses simple ingredients found in most southern kitchens. It has a delicious yet sweet and tangy taste with a light texture and feel. I love to make it for special family suppers and holiday desserts. It’s an impressive yet simple-to-make pie that everyone enjoys!

Buttermilk Pie

I use buttermilk in so many recipes, especially in baking, but it really shines in this delicious yet oh-so-easy pie. But, if you aren’t a buttermilk lover, don’t fret, this pie doesn’t taste like buttermilk. Buttermilk pie has a tender, tangy texture that just works perfectly in a good, flaky pie crust.

Buttermilk Pie | ©addapinch.com

Buttermilk Pie Variations

Buttermilk pie can have many variations: add pecans to the top, a dollop of homemade whipped cream, or a drizzle with a bit of blackberry syrup when serving. But honestly, there is nothing better than a slice of this pie, a cup of coffee, or a glass of sweet tea.

Buttermilk Pie | ©addapinch.com

This pie makes a great addition to the holiday dessert buffet with its light, comforting taste.

I’m not calling it a light as in low-calorie pie, I’m just saying it tastes light. It doesn’t have a heavy texture or taste and you usually don’t feel “stuffed” after eating it.

Buttermilk Pie | ©addapinch.com

Just look at that flaky pie crust and the golden top of this amazing pie! It’s so impressive to serve to guests for a special dinner and always a hit on holiday dessert tables.

Buttermilk Pie | ©addapinch.com

Can You Use Graham Cracker Crust for Buttermilk Pie?

As an option, you can make this with a pre-baked graham cracker crust. Just follow the directions for making my Simple Graham Cracker Crust Recipe. Pre-bake your crust according to the directions for Baked Graham Crust. Once the pie ingredients are mixed, pour into the pie crust and bake the pie for 45-50 minutes.

Since it is so easy and quietly elegant, it makes the perfect pie to serve anytime—no need to save this beauty just for the holidays.

Buttermilk Pie | ©addapinch.com

Here’s my Buttermilk Pie recipe. I can’t wait to hear how you love it.

Buttermilk Pie Recipe

4.97 from 57 votes
Buttermilk Pie is a classic, traditional pie in the south. Buttermilk Pie is a custardy pie that comes together quickly and easily.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350º F.
  • Mix together eggs, granulated sugar, flour, butter, buttermilk, vanilla, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt until well-combined. Pour into the unbaked pie crust and bake for 45-50 minutes until set and golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool prior to slicing.
  • Store in the refrigerator.

Notes

Optional Pre-baked Graham Cracker Crust:
Follow directions for Baked Pie Crust in the Simple Graham Cracker Crust Recipe. Set aside.  Once all ingredients for pie are mixed, pour into the pie crust. Bake  45-50 minutes or until set and golden brown. 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 470kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 126mg | Sodium: 196mg | Potassium: 103mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 506IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Love ya!
Robyn xo

Southern Buttermilk Pie Recipe - Buttermilk Pie is a classic pie recipe well loved for generations in my family. A custardy pie that comes together quickly and easily with a light texture and a slight tangy flavor. // addapinch.com

From the Add a Pinch recipe archives. Originally published in 2013.

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About Robyn

Robyn Stone is a cookbook author, wife, mom, and passionate home cook. Her tested and trusted recipes give readers the confidence to cook recipes the whole family will love. Robyn has been featured on Food Network, People, Southern Living, and more.

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Recipe Review




181 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This is an excellent, easy little pie. To all the folks commenting that Buttermilk Pie doesn’t have lemon juice in it: all recipes don’t need to be identical. I’ve lived in SC my entire life, as did my grandmother, and she always added a little lemon juice to cut the fatty richness. Stop being so set in your ways and try something before you rant about it. It’s just pie, lighten up.

    1. Thank you, Carol. I have lived in Georgia all my life and this is the way my mother and Grandmother made their buttermilk pies, too.